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Summary:

Meta has acquired AI startup Manus, a company specializing in “autonomous” AI agents, despite the ongoing tech rivalry between the US and China. Manus, founded in China but now based in Singapore, claims its AI agent can independently plan, execute, and deliver complete work. Meta plans to integrate Manus’s technology into its consumer and business products, aiming to improve the lives of billions. The deal is notable given the current geopolitical tensions surrounding technology and the perceived skepticism surrounding the capabilities of autonomous AI.

News Article:

Meta Acquires AI Startup Manus in Rare US-China Tech Crossover

MENLO PARK, CA – Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced the acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus on Monday, marking a notable instance of US-China tech cooperation amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. While financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, Meta stated that the acquisition will allow them to integrate Manus’s “autonomous” AI agent into their existing products, reaching billions of users worldwide.

Manus, founded in China in 2022 but recently relocated to Singapore, has developed an AI agent touted as a “virtual colleague” capable of independently handling complex tasks from planning to execution. These tasks can involve creating travel plans and analyzing stocks. Meta believes the technology will significantly enhance its AI offerings.

“Manus’s exceptional talent will join Meta’s team to deliver general-purpose agents across our consumer and business products, including in Meta AI,” Meta said in a statement. “We’re excited to welcome the Manus team and help improve the lives of billions of people and millions of businesses with their technology.”

The deal is particularly significant given the heated tech rivalry between the United States and China. The acquisition signals a willingness to engage in cross-border collaboration, even in sensitive areas like artificial intelligence.

Manus CEO Xiao Hong celebrated the acquisition as a validation of the company’s vision, even in the face of skepticism. “We were told it was too early, too ambitious, too hard. But we kept building,” Xiao said in a social media post. “The era of AI that doesn’t just talk, but acts, creates, and delivers, is only beginning. And now, we get to build it at a scale we never could have imagined.”

Manus had generated significant buzz since its launch earlier this year, with its technology drawing comparisons to Chinese-developed chatbot DeepSeek. The company claimed earlier this month that its annual recurring revenue had surpassed $100 million, making it one of the fastest startups to reach that milestone. Whether Meta can successfully integrate and scale Manus’s AI agent remains to be seen, but the acquisition underscores Meta’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence.

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